Visitation Choir: "Jerusalem, My Destiny" Rory Cooney

[GUMMSHOW]

i don't think we're in kansas city anymore :)

[66gardener]

I can't wait to get back to our parish in Florida and sing this uplifting song again! We have a wonderful brass section that gives this song such a flair! This song commands a brisk tempo or it drags.

[reiki2guy]

Where's the fire? Probably one of Rory Cooney's most versatile pieces, this song is supposed to be STATELY, not rushed. Suitable for weddings, funerals, graduations, endings, beginnings, etc. Rory definitely outdid himself.

[66gardener]

verse 4: All the worlds I have not seen you open to my view.

Here among you I have found a vision bright and new.

verse 5: To the tombs I went to mourn the hope I thught was gone.

Here among you I awoke to unexpected dawn.

This is one of those songs, that can be sung in any number of ways, the occassion dictates the tempo and manner in which it is presented.

At St. Peter and Paul the Apostles church in Bradenton, Florida it is sung with a flair in the concluding song of Sunday mass.

[66gardener]

The tempo is very good. If anything, it could be picked up somewhat more.

This is a joyous and exhuberant hymn, that should be sung with exhuberance and enthusiasm!

Certainly, one of my very favorite hymns.

The director is doing an excellent job.

I believe there are five verses to Jerusalem, My Destiny.

[disneydanny2]

how many verses does this song have? piperkd1 uploaded a version that has an extra verse i've never heard before

[firebird960]

love this song on palm sundays

[speedy779]

This is my favorite mass song

[asap1459]

I agree with philsfan24. The lyrics and melody of this hymn can come at you 10 different ways and sound great. Our little choir has no resources and has done this a capella and it’s one of my favorites, but it’s not nearly as good as this video. We do it at a little slower pace and I feel like marching down the aisle. Also, we direct by committee so I’d love to have this director.

[holyholyholyorgankid]

The director has to cool the conducting down a bit . Looks as if she/he is going to knock some of it's choir members in the face. 

[BulletxBabe]

This song was the final song at my friend Ian's funeral. We all sang it as they carried his casket out of the church. I remember not being able to sing because I was crying so much. He was like a brother to me. R.I.P Ian James Pope December 23,2008<'3

[philsfan24]

i agree with MisaCantada. this piece needs to be much slower so it has more character, it needs to be drawn out more, and a fuller sound out of the that beautiful organ and the other instruments (if any) besides the trumpet. i've heard this perfected by my parish choir in Ashley, PA at St. Leo the Great R.C. Church

[JKorps1]

@philsfan24 I can hear other instruments kind of wish I could hear more of them though. It should be slower.

[basinandtowel]

@philsfan24 I's great that each choir has the opportunity to sing the song as the group or director interprets. Our traditional ensemble offers a similar interpretation. On the other hand, our contemporary ensemble captures the lent and holy week spirit of the song just as well with a quite different interpretation and mood. I ask, is one better than the other? & in liturgical music, are we really aiming for perfection? (we're not Methodists, after all!) Well done Visitation!

[pinkestpink44]

@philsfan24 i agree!!! I went there for a Confirmation and it was absolutely beautiful! please tell your director I said!

[MisaCantada]

This is a very beautiful, heartwarming and dramatic composition written by Mr. Cooney BUT the interpretation here was rendered very fast and very rythmical, Most of the dynamics were not observed especially the pianos and crescendos and accelerandos, ritardandos and sustenotos and fortissimos!!! Over-all, it lack drama and character if you ask me...

I have heard other Choirs performed this magnificent piece and it gave me goose bumps and tears!

[alicenclaw]

Jerusalem My Destiny

by Rory Cooney

1) I have fixed my eyes on your hills, Jerusalem, my Destiny.

Though I cannot see the end for me I cannot turn away.

We have set our hearts for the way; this journey is our destiny.

Let no one walk alone. The journey makes us one.

Other spirits, lesser gods, have courted me with lies.

Here among you I have found a truth that bids me rise.

[alicenclaw]

2) Other spirits, lesser gods, have courted me with lies.

Here among you I have found a truth that bids me rise.

Refrain

See, I leave the past behind; a new land calls to me.

Here among you now I find a glimpse of what might be.

Refrain

[alicenclaw]

3) In my thirst, you let me drink the waters of your life,

Here among you I have met, the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Refrain

All the worlds I have not seen you open to my view.

Here among you I have found a vision bright and new.

Refrain

To the tombs I went to mourn the hope I thought was gone,

Here among you I awoke to unexpected dawn.

[swimmingprincess1995]

i loove this song! one of my favorite church songs :)

[kfreckman]

Incredible hymn! One of my favorite pieces of music. Thanks for posting this.

[unexpectedkangaroo]

Thanks!  I really like this hymn. The brass adds a lot.

"This journey is our destiny."

[Disneydanny]

I agree w/ that care4ubOy, it's interesting on the mp3 file on GIA's website, the part that plays at the :54 second mark of the version heard on this video there is a preif pause in the vocal

[care4ub0y]

A bit fast, IMO, but very nice!

[Disneydanny]

are there any seats up there?? I CAN'T imagine the choir having to STAND through the whole Easter Vigil, that's a LONG mass.

[hiya4011]

@Disneydanny Our choir doesn't have seats at the big masses. We're overgrowing our loft :/

[Disneydanny]

):03 sounds like the trumpet player jumped the gun a bit

[grossdc2]

This is one of my FAVORITE hymns at church, thank you for posting

[ajtriska]

Thank you. This was played at my FIL's funeral.